Former Rats great Brylin itching to re-join Devils organization

By all accounts, Sergei Brylin is and always will be a part of the Devils family. After all, he was drafted by the organization, matured with their minor league affiliate (the Albany River Rats), and played his entire NHL career with the Devils (1994-95 to 2007-08). He is also one of only a hand full of players that played on all three of the organization's Stanley Cup championship teams (1995, 2000, 2003).

Even after Brylin left the Devils as a free agent to play in the Kontinental Hockey League in 2008, he continued to resurface from time to time, including two years ago when he volunteered to assist the team with their off-season prospect camp.

Now that his contract is up for renewal with St. Petersburg SKA of the KHL, Brylin is back in New Jersey again assisting with the Devils' prospect camp, and it comes as no surprise to learn that he is interested in returning to the Devils organization. As reported by Tom Gulitti on Twitter:

TGfireandice Tom Gulitti

"That would be a gift I can finish my career playing for the Devils," Brylin said. He'd also consider retiring to take position with Devs.

So Brylin appears anxious to, or at least interested in returning to the Devils organization, perhaps as a player, a coach, or in another position. The question is, is there room for him?

If he hopes to join the Devils as a player, he'll have plenty of competition. With second-year NHLers like Mattias Tedenby and Jacob Josefson looking to grab more ice time next year, and veteran forwards Rod Pelley and Brian Rolston currently occupying roster spots, it appears Brylin's chances of making the New Jersey squad out of training camp would be slim.

On the coaching front, opportunity may be even harder to come by, with the ECHL's Trenton Devils ceasing operations for next season and their now former coaching staff awaiting reassignment within the organization.

Even so, Brylin holds a special place in the hearts of Devils fans, and likely that of Devils GM Lou Lamoriello, who drafted the young Russian 42nd overall in 1992, so don't be too surprised if the Devils find room for Brylin somewhere in the organization, whether it be in New Jersey or Albany.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.